Discussion Guide

The impact of “English only” policies on students’ learning and self esteem

What if you are made to feel ashamed when you speak your “mother tongue” or ridiculed because of your accent?

Pidgin: the Voice of Hawai’i addresses these questions through its lively examination of Pidgin – the language spoken by over half of Hawai’i’s people. By showing many aspects of Pidgin’s humor, creativity, and controversial history, the film confronts the issue of language and identity—and who gets to decide what language we speak. Pidgin is sure to spark vigorous discussion in classrooms, public settings, and between and among families and friends.